President Trump recently claimed to have invented the word “equalize,” despite its centuries-long existence, while announcing a new executive order aiming to lower prescription drug prices by 80% through price negotiation or government-set limits based on international prices. This order mandates a 30-day deadline for drugmakers to comply. Separately, he expressed fondness for the term “groceries,” highlighting its “old-fashioned” appeal. These pronouncements occurred amidst recent policy announcements and speeches.
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Following recent deadly storms in Kentucky, understaffing at three National Weather Service offices has raised concerns. The Jackson office, in particular, lacks overnight coverage due to staff cuts implemented during the Trump administration. These cuts, part of broader federal workforce reductions, resulted in significant staff loss through firings and early retirements, leaving critical positions unfilled. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration claims the service continues meeting its mission, the reduced staffing levels negatively impact timely and effective weather monitoring, especially during severe weather events.
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NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is offering a $20,000 reward for information regarding the decapitation of an 8-foot bottlenose dolphin found on Lea-Hutaff Island, North Carolina, on April 15th. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington confirmed the dolphin’s head was intentionally removed after stranding. The remote island’s accessibility by boat only complicates the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
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A former FBI agent alleges that Russia’s GRU targeted Elon Musk for exploitation, aiming to leverage his personal vulnerabilities—including his lifestyle—for blackmail and potential influence. This alleged operation, according to the agent, involved gathering compromising information to sway Musk’s actions. The agent’s claims are supported by reports of Musk’s direct contact with Vladimir Putin. However, the agent himself faces federal charges for disclosing confidential information.
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The Trump administration’s decision to close a NASA research center in New York City is baffling on multiple levels. While the scientists are being forced to vacate by the month’s end, the government still retains the building’s lease from Columbia University. This means the closure likely won’t generate any taxpayer savings, contradicting any supposed fiscal responsibility behind the move.
Instead of cost-cutting, the decision reeks of a deliberate attempt to dismantle valuable assets. It’s easy to suspect this action isn’t about fiscal prudence, but rather a calculated effort to erase history and legacy, possibly even to enrich connected individuals through the sale of federal property.… Continue reading
A large-scale rescue operation was launched following a severe avalanche on the Eiger mountain in the Swiss Alps on Saturday. Seven ski tourers were caught in the midday avalanche, resulting in two fatalities. One victim died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Despite the initial report that all buried individuals were rescued, two ultimately perished.
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Negotiations between the UK and EU are nearing completion on a deal granting British citizens access to European e-gates, potentially significantly reducing airport wait times. This agreement, part of broader UK-EU summit talks, would eliminate the current two-queue system at many European airports. While a new EU entry/exit system requiring biometric data is forthcoming, this e-gate access would offer immediate improvements for British travelers. Other ongoing discussions include easing visa requirements for touring artists and a potential veterinary agreement to benefit the agricultural sector.
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On Saturday, President Trump shared a video on Truth Social alleging that the Clintons were responsible for the deaths of several individuals, including John F. Kennedy Jr. and Vince Foster. The video promotes the debunked “Clinton Body Bags” conspiracy theory, connecting the Clintons to deaths ruled accidental, suicidal, or resulting from unrelated criminal activity. Fact-checkers have long discredited this theory, yet the video’s origin remains unknown. The White House and Clinton representatives have yet to respond to requests for comment.
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President Trump vehemently criticized the Supreme Court’s temporary block on his administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite migrant deportations. This followed a 7-2 Supreme Court decision citing insufficient due process afforded to migrants facing deportation. Trump, amplifying a suggestion from an advisor, shared a post proposing the release of “terrorists” near the homes of justices. This action came after the administration ignored a court order to return a deported man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to the United States. The president’s response underscores his frustration with judicial oversight of his immigration policies.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced plans for a Monday phone call with Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict, aiming to halt the ongoing violence. This call, confirmed by the Kremlin, will reportedly be followed by conversations with President Zelenskyy and NATO leaders. While a previous face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin was proposed but declined, this phone call follows earlier discussions on the subject and seeks to facilitate a ceasefire. The initiative comes amidst ongoing international efforts to resolve the conflict, including recent talks in Istanbul.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood